U.S. patent application number 14/084566 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for pocket jumper.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jose A. Gonzalez. Invention is credited to Jose A. Gonzalez.
Application Number | 20140139175 14/084566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50727327 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140139175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gonzalez; Jose A. |
May 22, 2014 |
Pocket Jumper
Abstract
A pocket jumper includes a power assembly and a detachable
connector for detachably connecting to a vehicle battery. The power
assembly includes a rechargeable battery pack and an on/off switch
being switched between an "off" position and an "on" position. When
the on/off switch is switched at the "off" position, the detachable
connector is connected to the vehicle battery that no electrical
connection is formed between the battery pack and the vehicle
battery. When the on/off switch is switched at the "on" position,
the detachable connector is connected to the vehicle battery to
electrically connect the battery pack with the vehicle battery with
an intention of jump starting the vehicle. Therefore, the pocket
jumper prevents any sparking when the detachable connector is
connected increasing the safety when compared to conventional
vehicle jump starter.
Inventors: |
Gonzalez; Jose A.; (Rdseda,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gonzalez; Jose A. |
Rdseda |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50727327 |
Appl. No.: |
14/084566 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61728222 |
Nov 19, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/101 ;
320/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 2/206 20130101;
H02J 1/122 20200101; H02J 7/35 20130101; F02N 11/14 20130101; H01M
2220/20 20130101; H02J 7/0042 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H02P
21/18 20160201; F02N 11/12 20130101; H01R 31/06 20130101; H01R
2201/26 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; H01R 11/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/101 ;
320/105 |
International
Class: |
B60L 11/18 20060101
B60L011/18; B60R 16/033 20060101 B60R016/033; H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. A pocket jumper for jump-starting a vehicle having a vehicle
battery, comprising: a power assembly which comprises a
rechargeable battery pack and an on/off switch being switched
between an "off" position and an "on" position; and a detachable
connector extended from said power assembly for detachably
connecting to said vehicle battery, wherein when said on/off switch
is switched at said "off" position, said detachable connector is
connected to said vehicle battery that no electrical connection is
formed between said battery pack and said vehicle battery, wherein
when said on/off switch is switched at said "on" position, said
detachable connector is connected to said vehicle battery to
electrically connect said battery pack with said vehicle battery
with an intention of jump starting the vehicle.
2. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 1, wherein said power
assembly further comprises a battery adaptor detachably coupled
with said battery pack, wherein said detachable connector is
extended from said battery adaptor in such a manner that before
said battery pack is coupled to said battery adaptor, said
detachable connector is arranged for connecting to said vehicle
battery for ensuring no electrical connection being formed between
said battery pack and said vehicle battery.
3. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 1, wherein said battery
pack comprises a rechargeable battery selected from the group
consisting of nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH),
and lithium ion (Li-ion).
4. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 2, wherein said battery
pack comprises a rechargeable battery selected from the group
consisting of nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH),
and lithium ion (Li-ion).
5. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
solar energy collector provided at said power assembly to charge
said battery pack by means of solar energy.
6. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 4, further comprising a
solar energy collector provided at said power assembly to charge
said battery pack by means of solar energy.
7. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 1, wherein said power
assembly further comprises a charging port for electrically
connecting and charging an electronic device by said battery
pack.
8. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 4, wherein said power
assembly further comprises a charging port for electrically
connecting and charging an electronic device by said battery
pack.
9. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 1, wherein said
detachable connector is detachably coupled with said power
assembly.
10. The pocket jumper, as recited in claim 4, wherein said
detachable connector is detachably coupled with said power
assembly.
11. A method of jump-starting a vehicle having a vehicle battery by
a pocket jumper which comprises a power assembly and a detachable
connector, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) switching
an on/off switch of said power assembly at an "off" position; (b)
detachably connecting said detachable connector to said vehicle
battery while no electrical connection is formed between a
rechargeable battery pack of said power assembly and said vehicle
battery; and (c) switching said on/off switch at an "on" position
to electrically connect said battery pack with said vehicle battery
with an intention of jump starting the vehicle.
12. The method, as recited in claim 11, wherein the step (a)
further comprises a step of detaching said battery pack from a
battery adaptor before said detachable connector is connected to
said vehicle battery for ensuring no electrical connection being
formed between said battery pack and said vehicle battery.
13. The method, as recited in claim 12, wherein the step (c)
further comprises a step of coupling said battery pack to said
battery adaptor after said detachable connector is connected to
said vehicle battery.
14. The method, as recited in claim 13, wherein the step (b)
further comprises a step of detachably coupling said detachable
connector with said power assembly after said detachable connector
is connected to said vehicle battery.
15. The method, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a step
of charging said battery pack by means of solar energy.
16. The method, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a step
of providing a charging port for electrically connecting and
charging an electronic device by said battery pack.
17. A device for converting a battery pack of a power tool into a
power assembly with an intention of jump starting a vehicle,
wherein the battery adaptor comprises: a battery adaptor for
detachably coupling with said battery pack; and a detachable
connector extended from said battery adaptor for detachably
connecting to a vehicle battery vehicle so as to electrically
connect said battery pack with said vehicle battery with an
intention of jump starting the vehicle.
18. The device, as recited in claim 17, wherein said battery
adaptor further comprises an on/off switch being switched between
an "off" position for ensuring no electrical connection being
formed between said battery pack and said vehicle battery, and an
"on" position for electrically connecting said battery pack with
said vehicle battery.
19. The device, as recited in claim 18, further comprising a solar
energy collector provided at said battery adaptor for charging said
battery pack by means of solar energy.
20. The device, as recited in claim 18, wherein said battery
adaptor further comprises a charging port for electrically
connecting and charging an electronic device by said battery
pack.
21. The device, as recited in claim 18, wherein said detachable
connector is detachably coupled with said battery adaptor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a non-provisional application that claims the
benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to a provisional
application having an application No. 61/728,222 and a filing date
of Nov. 19, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle
batteries, and more particularly to a portable power supply with
the means for electrically connecting to a vehicle battery to
provide DC power.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Arts
[0005] The realization that you made have left your car lights on
and now your car can't start due to a dead battery is enough to
instill in any person that feeling of hopelessness. The typical
solution for the average person would be to walk around and ask for
a good Samaritan to jump start their car or call a friend to drive
to them to provide that jump start. Even if you do find a person
willing to jump start your car being unsure of whether or not you
have a set of jumper cables or knowingly not having one can further
add to this already stressful situation. Aside from asking around
for a jump from a relative or stranger current solutions exist so
that the consumer can independently jump start their own car, but
these solutions are not without their own flaws.
[0006] On the market existing portable power supplies that can
provide a DC voltage to jump start the battery in cars. These
portables power supplies are considered portable in the very loose
sense to many of us. While they are moveable they can still be
considered very heavy and cumbersome for people who aren't
considerably strong. These portable power supplies can be extremely
heavy with a weight in excess to the car battery they are charging.
So while considered portable these solutions aren't necessarily
convenient. Many of these portable power supplies are also
essentially one time use and cannot be recharged. Also, when
connected to a car battery an electric spark may be produced and
the idea or anticipation of this electric spark may cause fear and
trepidation for one's own safety to even perform the task to one
who is not entirely comfortable with this automotive process. It
can be surmised that these portable power supplies are not ideally
suited for an emergency type situation but more or less to provide
a power source more directed towards a user that is extremely
familiar with cars due to extraneous features present (air
compressor, DC power source, built in work light, battery status
indicators, AC/DC adaptors). When in an emergency type situation
when one is on the side of the road alone all you really need in a
jump start. Not to mention the one disadvantage that is always
relevant to us all is that these portable power supplies are
relatively expensive and can have a cost easily in excess of over
one hundred dollars. While being useful this product's price point
and excessive features make it not entirely useful to a person who
wants the peace of mind to keep a device in their car at all times
for the time when an emergency situation arises.
[0007] The solution of jumper cables is probably one of the most
common among all types of users. Jumper cables are relatively
portable, inexpensive and have a single purpose not hindered by a
complicated design, yet the jumper cable has one large disadvantage
compared to the previous solution; they require you to connect to
another car or battery. So even though you may have a pair of
jumper cables you still require the assistance of another car. If a
user is alone in a secluded area the anxiousness of waiting for
this person to arrive can make minutes seem like hours and add to
the already stressful situation. This extra stress on the person
waiting is in addition to the possible inconvenience created for
the person who is coming to assist you. Alternatively, the user
could ask a stranger if they would be kind enough to provide their
car for a jump start, but for some people this can create an
inconvenient as well as awkward situation. Another disadvantage
with jumper cables is that they require that the operator possess a
fair amount of technical knowledge of their operation. Various
dangerous situations can present themselves to a user who is
unfamiliar with the operation of jumper cables such as overcharging
which can produce flammable hydrogen gas inside the battery, a
chance to accidentally short the good battery, or a spark can form
if the cables are connected incorrectly which can cause the battery
to explode. All these factors can create trepidation to even
perform this task.
[0008] The most obvious solution probably is to keep an extra
vehicle battery and just replace it when necessary. Aside from the
obvious cost associated with keeping an extra battery in the trunk
of your car at all times can be inconvenient. When the situation
arises that a dead battery must be replaced having the necessary
tools in addition to the weight of the extra battery may be more
than some people are able to handle and this is a significant
disadvantage in this most obvious of solutions.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] A main object of the present invention is to provide a
portable power supply with the means of electrically connecting to
a vehicle battery to provide a DC voltage with the intention of
jump starting a vehicle.
[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a means to detachably connect and adapt a conventional battery pack
from a conventional power tool to provide the DC voltage with the
intention of jump starting a vehicle.
[0011] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
an ultra portable and compact means of electrically connecting a
power supply to a vehicle battery to provide a DC voltage with the
intention of jump starting a vehicle.
[0012] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
an inexpensive means to electrically connect a power supply to a
vehicle battery to provide a DC voltage with the intention of jump
starting a vehicle.
[0013] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a simple means to electrically connect a power supply to a vehicle
to provide a DC voltage with the intention of jump starting a
vehicle where the present invention is not complicated by
extraneous features to complete the main objective.
[0014] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a safe means, in the form of an on/off switch, to electrically
connect a power supply to a battery to provide a DC voltage with
the intention of jump starting a vehicle where the production of a
spark when terminal ends are connect to a battery is inhibited to
provide a peace of mind for the operator if they are not familiar
with typical battery jump start operation.
[0015] Accordingly, to accomplish the above objects, the present
invention provides a pocket jumper, comprising:
[0016] a battery pack that is able to output a DC voltage adapted
from a conventional battery pack for use with a conventional power
tool wherein the battery pack is able to be recharged and maintain
a minimum predetermined voltage with output terminals corresponding
to positive and negative polarities and has a means to securely
detachably connect to a locking mechanism;
[0017] a battery adaptor that provides a means to detachably
connect and adapt to a conventional battery pack for use with a
conventional power tool, wherein the battery pack is held secure in
place by a locking mechanism and the battery adaptor contains
terminals within the housing that allow for connection to the
corresponding polarity terminals of the battery pack and are able
to output the corresponding polarity to the terminal leads
extending from the housing;
[0018] a pair of terminal leads in the form of insulated wires with
a pair of conductive ends wherein a positive and negative polarity
are distinct and are separated a predetermined width wherein the
terminal leads have enough distance between them to allow for the
simultaneous connection between the corresponding negative and
positive polarity terminals on the inactive vehicle battery;
additionally the insulated wires protect the user from an electric
shock by inhibited a conductance of electricity; and
[0019] a clamping mechanism constructed of a conductive material
that is constructed from a pair of rigid elements that contain a
pinching element front and a handle element on the rear pivotally
attached, wherein a resilient element is housed between the pair of
rigid elements so that in the equilibrium state the pinching
elements are pressed towards each other and the handle elements are
spread apart, wherein when an operator grips the handles and
squeezes the handles toward each other overcoming the force
generated by the resilient element the pinching elements widen in a
predetermined relation in comparison to the narrowing of the
handles together; additionally the handles are covered with an
insulating material preventing an electrical conductance to the
operator when the operator completes the previously stated
task.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
present invention comprises a device for converting a battery pack
of a power tool into a power assembly with an intention of jump
starting a vehicle, wherein the battery adaptor comprises a battery
adaptor for detachably coupling with the battery pack, and a
detachable connector extended from the battery adaptor for
detachably connecting to a vehicle battery vehicle so as to
electrically connect the battery pack with the vehicle battery with
an intention of jump starting the vehicle. Therefore, the user is
able to use any battery pack of the existing power tool to jump
start the vehicle.
[0021] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing descriptions and drawings.
[0022] These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
descriptions, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the Pocket Jumper
in preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2A is a top view of the of the battery pack of the
Pocket Jumper in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2B is a top view of the of the battery adaptor of the
Pocket Jumper in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the battery adaptor of the
Pocket Jumper in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a view of the clamping mechanisms with a provided
safety cover for the pinching elements of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the Pocket Jumper in an
additional embodiment of the present invention depicting a USB
adaptor.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pocket jumper according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Pocket Jumper in
preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred
embodiment of the present invention the Pocket Jumper comprises a
power assembly and a detachable connector. The power assembly is
ultra compact, lightweight, and able to adapt to a conventional
rechargeable battery designed for use with power tools. The power
assembly has a pocket size that the user is able to carry the power
assembly conveniently. The power assembly comprises a battery
adaptor 10 that a pair of insulated wires 20 of the detachable
connector are integrally extended therefrom, insulated to prevent a
user from getting electrically shocked, which correspond to a
positive and negative polarity each of which is connected to the
detachable connector which are clamping mechanisms 21 thereof. The
insulated wires 20 of the detachable connector are affixed to each
other and separate at a predetermined distance that allows for the
clamping mechanisms 21 of the detachable connector to separate a
predetermined width so that a simultaneous connection between the
corresponding positive and negative polarity terminals, 61 and 62
respectively, on the depleted energy source 60 and the clamping
mechanisms 21, such as clamping clips, can be made. These clamping
mechanisms 21 are constructed from a conductive material so that
when a circuit is created between the battery pack 30 and the
depleted energy source 60, the energy from the battery pack 30 can
be conducted to this depleted energy source 60. Accordingly, the
depleted energy source 60 can be the vehicle battery.
[0031] The battery adaptor 10 provides means to detachably connect
and adapt a battery pack 30 from a conventional power tool to
provide the DC voltage to a depleted energy source 60 with the
intention of jump starting a vehicle. When the battery adaptor 10
is mounted and connected to the battery pack 30 of the power
assembly, the battery adaptor 10 allows for a circuit to be created
when the clamping mechanisms 21 are clamped to the corresponding
polarity terminals of a depleted energy source 60 such as the
vehicle battery so that the device powered by the depleted energy
source 60 may take advantage of the completed electrical circuit
provided by the Pocket Jumper. The completed circuit allows for
vehicles to utilize the stored energy in the Pocket Jumper and
effectively allows for a "jump start" of a vehicle. It is worth
mentioning that the battery adaptor 10 fully encloses the mounted
battery pack 30 and no exposed areas where the operator can be
electrically shocked are present increasing the overall safety of
the present invention. In other words, the battery adaptor 10 can
be from a device for converting the battery pack 30 of the
conventional power tool into the power assembly with an intention
of jump starting the vehicle.
[0032] The clamping mechanism 21 of the detachable connector that
provide a means of conductance between the battery pack 30, battery
adaptor 10, insulating wires 20 and the depleted energy source 60
are constructed out of a conductive material and are comprised of a
pair of rigid elements 22 that contain a pinching element 221 on
the front and a handle element 222 on the rear which are pivotally
attached. When the rigid elements 22 are pivotally attached to each
other a resilient element 224 is placed between the rigid elements
22 so that in the equilibrium state the pinching elements 221 are
pressed towards each other and the handle elements 222 are spread
apart. When the handles 222 are squeezed together and the force
generated by the resilient element 224 is overcame the pinching
elements 221 are widened. It is worth mentioning that the handle
elements 222 are covered with an insulating material 223 that will
prevent an electrical conductance to the operator when the operator
handles the clamping mechanisms 21 when they are connected to form
an electrical circuit.
[0033] To operate the Pocket Jumper in this preferred embodiment of
the present invention the user can selected from two different
methods, utilizing the on/off switch 101 to prevent the production
of the electric spark or creating the connection with the clamping
mechanisms 21 and then connecting the battery pack 30 into the
battery adaptor 10. In either method the first step of the process
is to first affix the clamping mechanisms 21 onto the corresponding
positive and negative polarity terminals 61 and 62 respectively, of
the depleted energy source 60. The clamping mechanisms 21 have
insulating covers 223 on the handle elements that will correspond
to the polarity terminals on the depleted energy source 60 the
clamping mechanisms 21 should be affixed onto. Once the clamping
mechanisms 21 have been affixed to the proper corresponding
terminals this is where the two methods of operation can
differ.
[0034] In particular, the method of jump-starting a vehicle having
a vehicle battery by the pocket jumper comprises the following
steps.
[0035] (1) Switch the on/off switch 101 of the power assembly at
the "off" position. At the same time, the battery pack 30 is
preferably detached from the battery adaptor 10 before the
detachable connector is connected to the depleted energy source 60
for ensuring no electrical connection being formed between the
battery pack 30 and the depleted energy source 60.
[0036] (2) Detachably connect the detachable connector to the
depleted energy source 60 while no electrical connection is formed
between the battery pack 30 of the power assembly and the depleted
energy source 60.
[0037] (3) Switch the on/off switch 101 at the "on" position to
electrically connect the battery pack 30 with the depleted energy
source 60 with an intention of jump starting the vehicle. Before
the on/off switch 101 is switched to the "on" position, the battery
pack 30 is coupled to the battery adaptor 10. Therefore, once the
on/off switch 101 is switched to the "on" position, the battery
pack 30 is electrically connected with the depleted energy source
60. In other words, the battery pack 30 is coupled to the battery
adaptor 10 after the detachable connector is connected to the
depleted energy source 60.
[0038] If the battery pack 30 is already mounted on the battery
adaptor 10 change the on/off switch 101 from the off position to
the on (it is worth mentioning that the on/off switch 101 should be
initially in the off position before this process is started). Once
the on/off switch 101 is moved to the on position a circuit is
created with the battery pack 30 and the depleted energy source 60
through the present invention. The device attached to this depleted
energy source 60 can now be jump started by utilizing the
connection with the battery pack 30. Since the clamping mechanisms
21 are mounted onto the positive and negative polarity terminals 61
and 62 respectively, of the depleted energy source 60 before a
circuit is created to allow the flow of electrons no spark is
formed, thereby creating a safer method to jump start a vehicle.
Once the vehicle is jump started the on/off switch 101 on the
battery adaptor 10 should be now set to the off position so that
electrons no longer flow through the Pocket Jumper and the clamping
mechanisms 21 can be detached from the corresponding polarity
terminals of the depleted energy source 60 without the risk of
electric shock.
[0039] If the battery pack 30 is not mounted in the battery adaptor
10 before the clamping mechanisms 21 are affixed to the
corresponding polarity terminals of the depleted energy source 60
the operator may insert a battery pack 30 into the battery adaptor
10 at that point so that no electrical spark will be formed. It is
worth mentioning that to further increase the safety of the
operation the on/off switch 101 of the battery adaptor 10 should be
in an off position before inserting a battery pack 30, this will
prevent the danger of an electric shock. Once the on/off switch 101
is moved to the on position a circuit is created with the battery
pack 30 and the depleted energy source 60 through the present
invention. The device attached to this depleted energy source 60
can now be jump started by utilizing the connection with the
battery pack 30. Since the clamping mechanisms 21 are mounted onto
the positive and negative polarity terminals 61 and 62
respectively, of the depleted energy source 60 before a circuit is
created to allow the flow of electrons no spark is formed, thereby
creating a safer method to jump start a vehicle. Once the vehicle
is jump started the on/off switch 101 on the battery adaptor 10
should be now set to the off position so that electrons no longer
flow through the Pocket Jumper and the clamping mechanisms 21 can
be detached from the corresponding polarity terminals of the
depleted energy source 60 without the risk of electric shock.
[0040] FIG. 2a is a top view of the battery pack 30 of the Pocket
Jumper in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
battery pack 30 of any conventional power tool may be adapted to be
mounted to the present invention, and should not be limited by the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the
battery pack 30 comprises a rechargeable battery which is one of
nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium ion
(Li-ion). In this preferred embodiment the battery pack 30 is
comprised of a positive polarity terminal connecting port 31 and a
negative polarity terminal connecting port 32. Within these
positive or negative polarity terminal connecting ports 31 and 32
respectively, are conductive connector elements 311 and 321 which
correspond to the positive and negative terminal connecting ports
respectively, that are able to interface with conductive elements
located similarly on the battery adaptor 10 when the battery
adaptor 10 is connected to the battery pack 30. The conductive
connector elements in this preferred embodiment of the present
invention are embodied as conductive resilient elements so that a
constant pressure is applied when the positive and negative
polarity connection terminals 31 and 32 respectively, of the
battery adaptor 10 are inserted to ensure constant electrical
conductance. These conductive connector elements allow for the
circuit to be created that allows the flow of electrons allowing
the present invention to energize a depleted energy source such a
vehicle battery. To ensure that the conductive connectors are
aligned properly, battery pack has battery guide rails for locking
mechanism 33 are located on the longitudinal sides of the battery
pack 30. This battery guide rail for locking mechanism 33 allows
the battery adaptor 10 to slide properly in place to the battery
pack 30 and ensure that the conductive connectors 311 and 321 are
properly aligned. The battery guide rail for locking mechanism 33
contains a guide edge 331 and a cavity for battery guide rail 332.
The battery adaptor 10 contains similar elements so that when these
elements are coupled by orientating the guide edge 331 of the
battery pack 30 with the cavity for the battery adaptor guide rail
and orientating the guide edge of the battery adaptor with the
cavity for the battery pack guide rail and are slide into each
other the elements come into a surface contact allowing for a flush
fitting between the two elements.
[0041] The top perspective view of the battery pack of the Pocket
Jumper in this preferred embodiment of the present invention also
depicts a locking mechanism 34 so that when the battery adaptor 10
is mounted on the battery pack 30 there is no risk of the two
becoming decoupled. In this preferred embodiment of the present
invention an angled rigid element 341 which is pressed upward in by
a resilient element in the base of the battery pack 30. This angled
rigid element 341 is connected to the lock release 342 so that when
the lock release 342 is pressed downward the angled rigid element
341 moves an identical downward distance that the lock release 342
has traveled.
[0042] FIG. 2b is a top view of the battery adaptor of the Pocket
Jumper in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. From
this perspective of the battery adaptor 10 the positive and
negative connecting terminals 11 and 12, respectively, can be seen
along with the adaptor guide rail for locking mechanism 131. When
the battery adaptor 10 and the battery pack 30 are mounted as
previously described in FIG. 2a the adaptor guide rails for locking
mechanism 13 interface with the battery guide rail for locking
mechanism 33 wherein each of the corresponding guide rails are
comprised of a cavity 132 and guide edge 131 wherein the guide edge
331 of the battery pack 30 is designed to fit into the cavity 132
of the battery adaptor 10 and the guide edge 131 of the battery
adaptor is designed to fit into the cavity of the battery pack 332.
This allows each of the guide rails of both the battery pack 30 and
the battery adaptor 10 to allow the battery pack 30 and the battery
adaptor 10 to slide and mount with each other and ensuring that the
positive and negative polarity connecting terminals 11 and 12,
respectively, are positioned properly to create a circuit between
the battery pack 30 and the depleted energy source 60. The adaptor
guide rail for locking mechanism 13 also ensures that the angled
slot 14 for locking mechanism 34 aligns properly with the angled
rigid element 341 located on the topside of the battery pack
30.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery adaptor 10 further comprises
a solar energy collector 15 provided at a top side, wherein the
battery pack 30 is detachably coupled at the bottom side of the
battery adapter 10. When the battery pack 30 is coupled to the
battery adapter 10, the battery pack 30 can be charged by means of
solar energy via the solar energy collector 15.
[0044] In this preferred embodiment of the present invention the
locking mechanism 34 for the Pocket Jumper is embodied as a
previously described angled rigid element 341 that is kept upright
by a resilient element housed within the battery pack 30 and an
angled slot 14 for locking mechanism 34 located on the underside of
the battery adaptor 10. When the battery pack 30 and the battery
adaptor 10 are slide into each other to be mounted the edge of the
battery adaptor 10 will come into contact with the angled rigid
element 341 when it is slide into the final position. When the rear
edge of the battery adaptor 10 comes into contact with this angled
surface and moves further towards the final position this will
cause the angled rigid element 341 to move downward due to the fact
that since it is angled the battery adaptor edge attempts to move
up the incline but since it is locked into a set vertical
orientation it overcomes the resilient element that holds up the
angled rigid element 341 and thus forces the angled rigid element
341 downward as the edge of the battery pack moves towards the edge
until the angled rigid element 341 is completely under the battery
pack edge. When the battery adaptor 10 reaches the final position
the angled slot for locking mechanism 14 is orientated over the
angled rigid element 341 allowing the angled rigid element 341 to
be pushed upward by the resilient element fitting flush in the
angled slot for the locking mechanism 14 thereby locking the
battery pack 30 and the battery adaptor 10 together. To release the
locking mechanism 34 and allowing the battery pack 30 and the
battery adaptor 10 to decouple from this locked state the user
pushes the lock release 342 which is integrated with the angled
rigid element 341. When the lock release 342 is pressed and the
force generated by the resilient element is overcame this allows
the angled rigid element 341 to be lowered from the flush fitting
within the underside of the battery adaptor 10 allowing the battery
adaptor 10 and the battery pack 30 to slide away from each other
guided by the guide rails on each of these elements.
[0045] When the battery pack 30 and the battery adaptor 10 are
coupled together and the conductive elements of each of these
elements are communicating with each other the transforming
circuitry allows this energy to be converted into the desired state
for the task at hand and transferred through the insulated wires
and the clamping mechanism 21.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the battery adaptor of the
Pocket Jumper in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In this view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention
the cavities 132 of the battery adaptor guide rail for locking
mechanism 13 can be better seen. This guide rail structure is
mirrored on the other edge of this battery adaptor 10. It is worth
mentioning that the battery pack 30 has s corresponding similar
structure so that when the guide rails from each of these elements
are coupled they create a flushed structure with minimal extraneous
movement.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a view of the clamping mechanisms 21 with a
provided safety cover 40 for the pinching elements 221 of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. With the safety
covers 40 over the pinching elements 221 of the clamping mechanism
21, accidental electrical shock is lessened in the case there is
accidental contact when the clamping mechanism 21 are being affixed
to the depleted energy source 60 or if there happens to be a latent
electrical charge left on the conductive material. In this present
embodiment of the present invention the safety covers 40 for the
pinching elements 221 are constructed from an insulating, non
conductive material that when placed over the pinching elements 221
cover all the conductive material of the clamping mechanism 21 so
that there is no risk of electrical shock to the operator.
Additionally, affixed to the inner cavity of the safety cover 40 is
a loop portion 42 of a hooked-loop fastener wherein the
corresponding hooked portion 43 of this hooked-loop fastener is
located on the clamping mechanism 21 wherein when the safety cover
40 is on the clamping mechanism 21 the hooked-loop fasteners are
able to come into contact and adhere to each other so that the
safety cover does not become accidentally detached from the
clamping mechanism 21 or become lost so that the clamping mechanism
21 is without a safety cover.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the Pocket Jumper in an
additional embodiment of the present invention depicting a charging
port for electrically connecting and charging an electronic device
by the battery pack 30, wherein the charging port is embodied as a
USB adaptor 50. In this additional embodiment of the present
invention a USB adaptor 50 is included because in addition to
requiring a jump start for our car at times it might be necessary
to contact someone with a cellular phone. The USB adaptor 50
provides additional assurance that the operator is able to make an
emergency phone call even if the cellular phone has a depleted
battery 60. The USB adaptor 50 allows for a connection to a
cellular phone with the means to charge the cellular phone or
provide a DC power so that the cellular phone may be used.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative mode of the pocket jumper,
wherein the battery adaptor and the battery pack are integrated to
form a power assembly 10A, wherein the detachable connector is
detachably coupled with the power assembly 10A. In particular, the
insulated wires 20A are detachably coupled with the power assembly
10A via a plug-and-socket structure, wherein the clamping
mechanisms 21A are provided the insulated wires 20A
respectively.
[0050] Accordingly, the power assembly 10A can be charged by a
conventional AC power or by the solar energy collector 15A provided
at the top side of the power assembly 10A. The charging port 50A is
also provided at the power assembly 10A for electrically connecting
and charging the electronic device.
[0051] Since the battery adaptor and the battery pack are
integrated to form the power assembly 10A, the battery pack cannot
be detached from the battery adaptor. Therefore, in the above step
(1), the on/off switch 101A of the power assembly 10A should be
switched at the "off" position as well. At the same time, the
detachable connector is preferably detached from the power assembly
10A before the detachable connector is connected to the depleted
energy source 60 for ensuring no electrical connection being formed
between the battery pack 30 and the depleted energy source 60.
[0052] Therefore, in the step (2), the user is able to detachably
connect the detachable connector to the depleted energy source 60
by detachably connecting the clamping mechanisms 21A at the
polarity terminals 61 and 62 of the depleted energy source 60
respectively, such that no electrical connection is formed between
the power assembly 10A and the depleted energy source 60.
[0053] Once the detachable connector is connected to the depleted
energy source 60, the detachably connector is then connected to the
power assembly 10A while the on/off switch 101 of the power
assembly is remained at the "off" position.
[0054] In the step (3), the user is able to switch the on/off
switch 101 at the "on" position to electrically connect the power
assembly 10A with the depleted energy source 60 with an intention
of jump starting the vehicle.
[0055] It should be appreciated that the detachable connector can
be detachably extended from the battery adapter 10 as in FIG. 1.
The detachably connecting feature of the detachable connector
applied to the detachably connecting feature of the battery pack 30
and the battery adaptor 10. For providing double-safety feature,
the user is able to always switch the on/off switch 101 of the
power assembly at the "off" position in the step (1). At the same
time, the detachable connector is preferably detached from the
battery adapter 10 and the battery pack 30 is preferably detached
from the battery adaptor 10 before the detachable connector is
connected to the depleted energy source 60. After the detachable
connector is detachably connected to the depleted energy source 60,
the user is able to detachably connect the detachably connector to
the battery adapter 10 and then detachably connect the battery pack
30 to the battery adaptor 10. The user will always switch the
on/off switch 101 at the "on" position, as the final step, to
electrically connect the battery pack 30 with the depleted energy
source 60.
[0056] One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment
of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described
above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
[0057] It will thus be seen that the objects of the present
invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The
embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of
illustrating the functional and structural principles of the
present invention and is subject to change without departure from
such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all
modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
following claims.
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